John was grateful for the jumper as they stepped out into the street. It was a crisp day and even with the thick woollen layer he was freezing. He wrapped his arms around himself as they walked, leaning into Lin's side as he draped an arm across his shoulders and increased his heat output. While John enjoyed the warmth, Lin enjoyed the feeling of John's smaller body pressed against his own. He tightened his hold a little, finding his own pleasure increased. He was especially pleased as John reached up to hold the hand resting on his shoulder.

"Welcome home, Sir. How was your evening?" the GT300 asked as Lin and John entered the shop. His LED flashed yellow as he noticed their closeness, processing their joined hands and the flush of John's skin from the cold outside. John smiled warmly as the shop door closed behind them. The GT300 had opened the shop by himself, as he often did. David had yet to make an appearance, suggesting his three friends had continued their evening uninterrupted.

"It was good. Sorry we're back so late," John apologised sweetly, but the GT300 seemed unconcerned as his LED returned to a steady blue. John looked at the time and began gathering supplies. He'd promised to return to the RG600 that afternoon, and he intended to keep his word. As he left the room, Lin regarded the GT300 warily. The GT300 listened for John's footsteps to trail off before raising his sharp emerald eyes from the register.

"I don't have a problem with it...Having said that, if you hurt him I'll happily rewire your systems and hand you over to the Eden Club," he stated in a matter-of-fact tone, Lin nodding his agreement. If he hurt John, he'd deserve it. It was curious to Lin that his interest didn't bother the GT300. John had been his human first, and they were obviously close. Why wasn't he angry? Though, as an older model, the GT300 likely wasn't equipped with the same sexual desires and abilities as he was. "John and I don't have that sort of relationship, and it isn't something I've ever wanted," the GT300 assured as he read Lin's curiosity.

"Why not?" Lin asked with a small frown. Despite his lack of hardware and programming, he knew that deviants developed romantic attachments sometimes, in their own ways. The GT300 shrugged as he continued to tap away, almost disinterested in the topic.

"Why are you interested in John and not David? Or the female Traci who came here?" he retorted, which was a fair point. Attraction, sexual or otherwise, was subjective. People had different preferences, needs, and desires. "For your information, I always preferred female models," the GT300 added with a quirk of his lips, which Lin could understand. By design, males were made to go with females. It made sense that the majority of humans, and androids, would stick to that primal desire. For Lin, it wasn't a case of being interested in males. He would have been drawn to John either way. He was perhaps lucky that he had been a male model though. John had shown little interest in any females they'd come across so far, but had clearly had relations with his various male peers. But I'm his first android. Lin was almost smug at that thought.

"Lin, it's almost time to meet the RG600, are you coming?" John's voice called from somewhere in the workshop. As Lin arrived in the doorway, he could see John counting out packets of blue-blood from a small cardboard box, putting them into a large rucksack. Having noticed how hungry the android had been the day before, John had brought a good supply of sustenance for it. Enough for a few days at least.

"You didn't think I was going to let you go near that unstable unit alone, did you?" Lin retorted sternly as he joined John and peered into the bag. The vocal processor had been carefully packed, along with the cranial plate and the tools John would need to perform a small tune-up. Lin would be able to connect to the RG600 directly to assist with that. John frowned a little, but he couldn't argue with Lin's assessment. "I don't want anything to happen to you," Lin added in a low tone that he knew would send prickles across John's pale skin.

"I'll be careful," John replied with a new warmth to his tone. Lin enjoyed the sound. He also enjoyed the soft look in John's eyes as he looked up at him. It would have been criminal to let that look pass without reaction. He enjoyed the small gasp John breathed as his lips were claimed. If he were an android, he was sure he would have short-circuited from the intensity. Lin's lips were firm and demanding as he grabbed John's hair and tilted his head back for better access, his tongue sliding along John's before drawing back. I'll bend him over the workbench if I don't stop, Lin thought wryly as his arousal program slammed a wave of need through his artificial synapses. The idea wasn't unappealing to him, however, he doubted John would appreciate it with the GT300 in the next room. But then again...

"We'll miss the agreed time if we don't hurry," Lin stated, turning off his sexual subroutines. It was jarring. One minute he'd been burning with need and the next he was numb, cold and indifferent. John noticed the change and drew back, his expression a little anxious, as if he'd done something wrong. Lin ran an assuring hand through his golden curls, his expression warm. "You don't want to be late," he reminded softly. John nodded as he hefted the heavy bag, swiftly finding it removed from his grasp. It weighed nothing to Lin. He easily slipped it on and tightened the straps.

"Sorry, GT, would you watch the store for me?" John asked kindly, the GT300 giving his usual plastic smile and obedient response. Lin followed as John led the way out into the street, picking up the pace as he ran along. They followed a similar path to the day before, hopping road barriers, bins, and benches as they went. Lin felt his chest tighten as a police siren sounded behind them. The sleek car quickly overtook them, blue lights flashing as it pulled over.

"Hey-hey! What have I told you about running in the road?" a young man shouted in exasperation as the siren turned off and he climbed out with a firm click of the door. It was a newer model of police car and the man Asian who'd stepped out was dressed neatly in a blue uniform, though his hair was a little rebellious. He had shoulder length honey locks tied in a scruffy ponytail beneath his standard issue hat. He was only wearing a long-sleeved shirt, the jacket likely discarded within the car.

"Officer Takigawa!" John greeted cheerfully, looking sheepish as Takigawa propped his hands on his hips sternly. Lin shifted his gaze as a dark skinned android stepped out of the car in a matching uniform, his LED shining blue as he joined Takigawa. It was a policing android used for simpler tasks like crowd control. Lin had never seen one up close.

"Don't you Officer Takigawa me, you little scamp! You're going to get yourself killed jumping through traffic like that! And you...Who's your friend?" Takigawa asked curiously as he rounded on Lin almost distrustfully. John's skin flushed as he looked up at him, stammering a little as Takigawa gave him an almost knowing look. He tapped the rim of his hat in amusement as he looked Lin up and down. His android companions seemed like he was about to say something when John stammered.

"He's a friend! From China. Just visiting," John insisted with a nervous stammer, which made the android officer's LED swirl yellow. Lin stiffened slightly as he watched the android, who was possibly searching a database for confirmation. Takigawa ruffled John's hair affectionately, not seeming too concerned with checking out John's story. There was no reason not to trust him at this point.

"Shall I check the database for verification, Sir?" the policing android suggested cautiously, his tone making Lin's eye sharpen slightly in suspicion. Did he know? It felt like he knew. It felt like he knew, but he didn't want to let on just yet.

"Nah, they haven't done anything," Takigawa replied casually as he waved it off. The policing android tilted his head, apparently confused by the contradiction.

"They have clearly performed a level two traffic code violation," he objected, Takigawa sighing in exasperation as he turned to his partner. Lin watched the exchange curiously, reflecting that this officer seemed to behave in a similar manner to John where androids were concerned. He spoke as if he were directing a newly trained officer rather than a machine. He also seemed to hold a certain level of affection for him.

"What have I told you about minor traffic violations? Review big deal, and small deal," he almost sighed as if this were the hundredth time. The android paused as he brought up the relevant files. He tilted his head, looking at Takigawa for guidance. After a short internal review, he took on an almost hopeful expression.

"This...is a small deal?" he suggested hesitantly, Takigawa nodding his agreement with pride. "A small deal, not worth the paperwork. A minor infraction that causes no harm and may be overlooked," the android continued more confidently, seeming somewhat pleased as Takigawa clapped him on the shoulder proudly. John laughed as he watched the pair. They seemed like good friends. He was sure on some level the android liked Takigawa. Takigawa certainly seemed to like his android partner.

"I'm so proud," he sighed with a fake sob as he looped an arm around the android and leaned on his strong shoulder.

"We'll be more careful in future," John promised, looking sheepish as the android pointed out that this was, in fact, the thirteenth time John had been stopped within the past three months for such offences. "Thirteenth time lucky?" John joked with a hint of sheepish embarrassment. Takigawa laughed loudly and cuffed John's ear lightly. Lin took note of the android's model. CH200. This was a newer street model designed to take on light police duties, a step up from the older PC200 crowd control units.

"Lucky is right! Stay out of the street! Come on, Charlie, let's grab some coffee!" Takigawa called as he returned to the car. Charlie bade them good day and followed Takigawa back to the car. John waited until they were out of sight before hopping the barrier once more. Lin huffed his amusement as he followed. John had a surprisingly disobedient streak when it came to minor infractions, it seemed. Perhaps he needed a lesson in obedience. Lin was startled as he realised his sexual subroutines had rebooted. He turned them off with a frown, unsure whether there was something wrong with his software.

"There he is," John gasped as he doubled over at the edge of the skate park. The RG600 was almost exactly where they'd left him. It was a truly sad sight, seeing him still trying to paint the wall with an empty can, as if a day hadn't passed. Lin nodded and hopped down, offering his hand to John. He didn't need it, but he took it anyway, enjoying the warm grip as he dropped. He let Lin lead the way slowly, smiling warmly as they approached the lone figure. "Hi there, we're back," he called softly when they were a good few feet away.

"Human, human-here, why?" the RG600 demanded skittishly as he backed up against the large mural anxiously, frantic eyes darting around for an escape route. John stayed where he was, holding his hands up calmly. The android tottered on the spot, his eyes darting between them nervously. The RG600 seemed wary and confused as he looked between them, fiddling with the empty paint can.

"I said I'd come back to help, remember? You need a new vocal processor...and I brought you some more thirium," John reminded, noting the way the android paused at the mention of sustenance. John's expression softened as he nodded to Lin, who opened the backpack and pulled out one of the packets. The RG600 was clearly tempted, but scared. "You must be hungry...Go ahead, Lin will give it to you," John added softly as he watched. Lin held the pack out, not moving an inch as the nervous android scurried forward and snatched it from his grasp.

"Human gives, why human give?" the android asked suspiciously as he bit into the straw and sucked, watching John with fearful hope.

"Because you're hungry," John replied simply, remaining in his place a few feet away.

"Unit hungry, human-gives. Unit-hurt, human...helps?" the android asked, John nodding his gentle agreement. The android was almost childlike, but is it trauma or a problem with the software? John wondered, knowing he wouldn't be able to tell without hooking him up to a computer. Or Lin...he thought as he eyed him meaningfully. Lin seemed to understand his thoughts as he gave a small nod. John searched through the backpack and pulled out the box with the vocal processor inside. The damaged android watched quietly as John opened the box and showed him the component.

"See? It's a vocal processor...I have the tools to install it. Will you let me come over?" John asked as he tilted the bag so that the android could see inside. "Lin will come too. He won't let me hurt you," he added as he noticed the android's LED change from yellow to red at the suggestion. It blinked between the two colours. He was clearly conflicted. Lin dipped his hand into the bag and pulled out another pack of thirium.

"We have more thirium, but you can't have it if we don't come closer," he tempted, watching the RG600's LED swirl yellow. He nodded nervously, sucking his straw like a wary child with a juice box. Lin led the way, giving John a very clear stay behind me look as they approached. "Sit down," Lin urged gently, watching the android obey, sitting with his back resting against the large mural. John walked slowly until he was beside the android and crouched down with a gentle smile.

"Can you remove your skin around here?" he asked softly as he stroked a path on his own neck to show the RG600. The android did as he was told, drawing back as John reached out slowly. "It's alright...I'm going to open your neck port," he murmured as he touched the plastic. The android froze fearfully, only staying still because Lin's hand landed on his shoulder and held it there. The touch was both threatening and reassuring. The RG600 trembled as John removed the plastic cover with a click. "I'm removing the old processor," John continued gently, letting the RG600 know each step as he worked. He unscrewed the part and eased it out, holding it up for the unit to see. The android relaxed a little, reassured by the grip on his shoulder and John's gentle words. John held up the new part and muttered as he fitted it into place.

"Link with me. I'll see what I can do about your internal software," Lin offered as he held his white hand out, giving John an almost meaningful look as he did so. The RG600 took his hand, both androids gasping and freezing in place as they connected. John tugged out the cranial plate anxiously, watching the skin trickle back on the RG600's skull as Lin deactivated it. Luckily, it was a quick procedure. It took moments to click out the old part and slot the new one in. He sighed in relief as he sat down, watching the skin return to cover the area. It was strange, seeing the androids frozen in place. John was almost worried as the minutes passed. He sat cross-legged, with a fresh packet of thirium in his hand ready for the RG600. Finally, they both jolted back to life. John waited for either of them to speak.

"Your voice is pretty when you're naked," the RG600 stated innocently as he looked at John. John blushed a deep shade of pink as the android swiped the thirium from his hand. Lin seemed unconcerned as he lowered his hand and reapplied the artificial skin.

"When androids interface we share memory files on occasion...It seems I shared more than intended," he said apologetically as the RG600 began sucking the salty blue liquid down. John was still embarrassed as he imagined the things he'd allowed Lin to do that morning, not to mention the night before, which was still a blur to him. "I've deleted the corrupted files and reordered his internal database. He should be able to function independently now," Lin added as he looked at John.

"You are...a good human," the RG600 praised, something about the words ringing a bell with John. He couldn't put his finger on it, but that phrase sent a shiver down his spine, one that Lin didn't miss. He smirked almost knowingly as he watched John fiddling with his tools. The android was much more stable than before, though he was still a little nervous and regularly scanned the surrounding area for movement.

"What happened to you?" John asked gently as he watched the android sucking the straw. The RG600 looked down at his crossed legs as he turned over the question. Remembering what happened wasn't pleasant. Even though he couldn't feel pain the physically, he could remember the blind fear and grief. He could also recall each impact and the damage it had caused.

"I was...a city maintenance unit. I picked up litter with another unit like me. We were following our programmed route when some humans attacked us...A group of them," he explained anxiously, pointing towards the graffiti on the far off walls. John nodded quietly. It was a local gang. That explained how the RG600 turned up in a park so far from the city. "They...hurt us. We were dragged here, but our programming wouldn't allow us to fight back. It wasn't fair! We didn't do anything wrong! When we got here, they played a game...to decide..." the RG600 trailed off vulnerably. John worried his lip, concerned he was upsetting him. He could see the LED swirling between red and yellow. He reached out hesitantly and touched the android's knee. He flinched.

"Decide what?" John asked, though he had an idea of what had come next.

"Which of us would watch," the RG600 murmured almost guiltily, his bottom lip trembling as synthetic tears welled in his blue eyes. "I had to watch...They took the other unit and...did things. Things we weren't designed for. They passed him round, and then they...killed-him! They hit him again and again and used his body like a ramp for their boards. I was so scared that I...I couldn't stay there and watch. I tried to get away. They hurt me too, but I was stronger! I did not want to die, so I fought back. I scared them! They left then...left me here..." he recounted, John's hand remaining warm on his knee. Despite his touch being human, it was comforting. It was nice to find that not all humans were cruel. Heartless. He continued to sniffle.

"Your friend, was he...completely destroyed?" John asked thoughtfully. Lin raised an eyebrow at the question. The RG600 got to his feet and beckoned John to follow him.

"I can show you! This way, this way!" he urged as he led the way across the darkening park. John grabbed his bag and followed without hesitation. Lin trailed behind, monitoring their surroundings. Early evening was when human youths tended to be out causing trouble. The android led them to a large metal ramp that was rusting at the edges and ducked beneath it. John followed and crouched next to the broken android that had been laid out peacefully. As peacefully as it could be. He winced as he looked at the huge crack across its plastic face. That doesn't necessarily make it irreparable though...

"What do you think?" Lin asked doubtfully as he watched John examine the crack. He let out a troubled sigh, checking the power core to find it half full. They must have been activated around the same time. John examined the torso, hissing a little as he saw the shattered casing. Damn, the bio-components have been completely exposed! he thought, reaching into the mess of blue and plastic to feel around. "John...You can't fix everything..." Lin murmured gently as he watched John's expression shift between sadness and determination. He reached his blue-stained hands to the plastic cranium and opened it. Many of the components within the skull were intact.

"Human...can help?" the RG600 asked with the hopefulness of a child. Lin looked doubtful as John chewed his lip. I don't know...This damage is...horrendous...I won't know at all unless I reactivate him, but I can't do that while he's a mess like this. It would short him out for sure...

"I can try," John replied determinedly as he grabbed his phone to call the shop. He asked the GT300 to bring the car. "It's a long shot, but...If we can stop by the scrap yard, I may be able to get a full torso replacement. If I can do that and repair the rest...it might work," he murmured hopefully, though it largely hinged on finding the parts they'd need. The RG600 looked almost giddy with relief as he tottered on the spot, dancing from foot to foot. The GT300 arrived a little later, bringing a large plastic sheet down to the ramp. John and Lin helped him to move the broken unit and gently wrap it in the sheet.

"Sir..." the GT300 murmured worriedly as he examined John, who looked like he'd been in an android massacre. His arms, hands, the front of his brown hoodie and his jeans were stained dark with blue by the time they were done. John couldn't stop thinking about the thick, oily residue on his arms and hands. It didn't dry out and go sticky the way blood did.

"Sorry, GT, I'm a mess," he said lightly, forcing a small smile as the GT300 carried the shutdown unit to the boot of the car. He placed it inside with as much care as possible. "Will you come with us?" John asked as he turned to the RG600, but the android shook his head fearfully and staggered back. John smiled his understanding. Just because he trusted John, didn't mean he would feel safe near human society.

"I-I will stay here...I will wait, yes-yes, wait. Right here," the android stammered out nervously as he tottered from foot to foot.

"Alright. I'll be back with news in two days. Two days, at two o'clock," John decided, watching the RG600 process and store the information, likely setting a timer. John handed the RG600 the remaining thirium packs, watching him hurry away with them cradled to against chest. It was enough to last him at least a week. "GT, stop by the scrap yard. I need to find something," John said as he climbed in the front seat.

"Of course, Sir," the GT300 replied obediently as he eyed Lin in the backseat. Lin returned his doubtful look. He was sceptical, too. The RG600 was so badly damaged, he didn't think it was salvageable. The GT300 seemed to have reached a similar conclusion. He parked at the top of a slope that led down into the scrap yard, where various android parts and other mechanical items had been left. The three of them carefully climbed down into the gigantic pit. Technically, this would be stealing, but no one would miss the parts. Nothing was really catalogued. It was just a landfill that Cyberlife might get to one day.

"I'd forgotten..." John trailed off with a shiver as he listened to the whining and moaning. Some androids were reciting old commands and information, while others begged and cried for help. Lin shuddered. It was haunting. Broken limbs waved and grabbed at the air, gripping anything they found and holding on tightly. Blank eyes stared as heads turned. Some android legs were still active, dragging dead torsos across the muddy ground. "Find anything RG600 compatible," John instructed, the three of them splitting up. John shivered as he squeezed his way between the barely active units.

He found a few almost complete androids, just tossed away because they were slightly old. What a waste...How cruel...he thought, wishing he could stop and check on all of them. He yelped as his foot slipped in the mud, sending him down onto a pile of broken units. His heart pounded as he felt mechanical hands gripping his clothes and clawing his body. Murmurs of human and help sounded around him like a nightmare. He could feel himself being dragged further down, arms sliding across his waist and legs.

"N-no...Stop!" John cried as he struggled, but the limbs were impossibly strong. That was the difference between androids and humans. "Let me out!" John cried fearfully, a cry of alarm breaking free as an arm wrapped across his throat and pulled. He was choking as he writhed in the pile. He let out a helpless whine as the broken androids continued to drag him down further into the heap. Some of them wanted his help, while others wanted to hurt him.

"John!" Lin's voice shouted, the arm across his throat disappearing as a strong hand grabbed him and pulled. He opened his eyes, panicked, grabbing Lin as soon as his arms were free. Lin hushed him as he cradled his shuddering form against his chest. "It's alright, I heard you...I heard you," he comforted quietly as he felt John's heart racing. He drew back after a few moments, taking John's hand firmly to continue the search at his side.

"Sir, I found one!" the GT300 informed, dragging a complete RG600 with him. John crouched down and examined it. This one was missing its power core, but seemed otherwise intact. If I can swap out the core programs and memory files, and use the other unit's power core...

"Good work!" John praised as he looked up at the GT300, who looked equally pleased with himself. Lin and the GT300 worked together to carry the unit up the slope. It was hard work as they tried to gain their footing and avoid the grabbing hands of the discarded androids littering the hill, but they eventually made it. As soon as the new body was stowed in the back with Lin, the trio set off for the shop.